On Life, Faith, Love and Whatever else catches my fancy!

I am a virtuous woman… Can you handle me?

A friend and I were conversing one day, and at the end, the conclusion we arrived at was that though many men pray to marry a virtuous woman, it is a challenge for many to handle such a woman. Such men have grown up seeing women in subjugative roles and when they come face to face with these godly breed of women, in an attempt to fit them into their preconceived molds, they then often decimate the answer by making it their life’s aim to break what they deem a rebellious woman’s will. They may then declare that their wives are not submissive when they dare to have an opinion; are not humble for presuming to stand up for what they believe. Summarily deciding that they are not fulfilling their God-given roles if they dare to use their brains in enterprise. It is not unusual for these men, with a tragic lack of understanding to use all that is in their power to ‘break’ their woman’s spirit into ‘submissiveness.’

Some others while they place their partner on an equal footing, may still not fully tap into the wells of potential that she has to offer. And while the union on the surface appears ideal, there is yet much left undiscovered.

My interest in this topic was piqued by what Jesus said in the story of the woman with the issue of blood when he said: ” Somebody has touched me for I perceive the virtue is come out of me.” I then began to wonder if this word was the same one referenced in Proverbs 31. I did a word study, and the fact that they were indeed from the same root word set me on entirely new trajectory regarding the power and wisdom embedded in these words.

Let us examine this word virtuous as described in Strong’s concordance and dictionary in the context of Scripture

Strong’s H2428 – chayil

חַיִל

Transliteration

chayil

Pronunciation

khah’·yil (Key)

Outline of Biblical Usage

1) Might, efficiency, wealth, army

a) Strength

b) Ability

c) Wealth

d) Force

What a revelation this was to me! What this indicates is that a virtuous woman is a woman of strength, might, efficiency, character and a woman of wealth. In essence, she is a one-unit military level army!

So to describe a virtuous woman as one who is pious yet insipid, timid, helpless, and solely dependent on her man for sustenance and industry would be such a wrong assumption as to be entirely inaccurate in light what scripture has said concerning the virtuous woman.

The Bible does not present the picture of a woman with an arrogant know-it-all attitude, and there is no indication that such a woman is a rebellious, un-submissive, and sinful woman. Which, unfortunately, may be the way society describes her today.

This woman stands 100% behind her man, and as the Bible says, seeks to do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:11,12

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Such a woman honors her husband as the head of the home.Such a woman conducts herself with excellence and wisdom and also presents her household in the best possible light.

So the question posed by King Solomon was: A virtuous woman – who can find such a one? For her price is far above rubies.

So I adjure all you godly men out there – when you find a virtuous woman, do not make her ‘un-virtuous’ by suppressing her God-given strengths and abilities. Do not make her ‘un-virtuous’ by accusing her of wanting to take over your role as ‘the man’. Do not make her ‘un-virtuous’ by putting her down at every opportunity, because by so doing, you may truncate the supreme blessing God has placed in your life to help make you great – a man who is respected in the gates.

Again a strong, efficient, industrious, hard-working, wealthy, strong, forceful woman of substance, excellence and ability – who can find such a woman? If you find her oh wise man, according to the word of the Lord you do your best to keep, cherish her, and bless God for giving her to you, for her price in your life is far above rubies.

And Jesus said, Somebody has touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NKJV)

10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

4 thoughts on “I am a virtuous woman… Can you handle me?”

Woooow! Hello senior pero, this is fabulous! Please can I share? I’m Taiwo Raji-Rich now but used to be nee Oladapo. I & my twin went to FGGC Shagamu and I read Economics in OSU. Ôgûn state University. Were you ever in (OVCF)? I got this from Toro iluyomade nee Agbebiyi’s wall. God bless you more. This is so encouraging & inspiring. I live with my husband and children now in Manila. My twin and family lives in Hamburg/ Germany. Would be nice to read from you or see you more often on social media platforms. Thanks and Remain blessed Senior Pero. Hahaha. Do you remember Sister Yewande Shobande?

This Wao ! Ifs every man can read and understand this , it will make the World a better place to live in , with more understanding and better family life ie a peaceful coexistence ,family life . Thank you for this excellent piece , God will continue to bless your understanding , Amen .

This is Wao ! Ifs every man can read and understand this , it will make the World a better place to live in , with more understanding and better family life ie a peaceful coexistence ,family life . Thank you for this excellent piece , God will continue to bless your understanding , Amen .